Could Prequenza halt the spread of Australian ‘flu?

Intervet has gained a permit from the Australian Government to use its leading equine ‘flu and ‘flu / tetanus vaccines, Equilis Prequenza and Equilis Prequenza Te, as part of an overall strategy to contain and eradicate the virus.

Currently sweeping through New South Wales towards Victoria, thousands of yards have been affected including racehorses at Warwick Farm and Rosehill racecourses.  Even the prestigious Melbourne Cup is under threat of being cancelled.

Equine Influenza is not usually a fatal disease in adult horses, but infected horses are unable to be worked for some time. The effect of this on the racing industry alone could become catastrophic. Some 30,000 horses race in Australia and 17,000 foals are produced each year, while £3.3 billion per annum is laid down in bets.  Previously classed as an exotic disease in Australia, New Zealand is now the only country in the world to remain free of the disease.